Intern, RISC-V CPU

Location: Austin, Texas, United States; Boston, Massachusetts, United States; Fort Collins, Colorado, United States; Santa Clara, California, United States Department: University

Tenstorrent is leading the industry on cutting-edge AI technology, revolutionizing performance expectations, ease of use, and cost efficiency. With AI redefining the computing paradigm, solutions must evolve to unify innovations in software models, compilers, platforms, networking, and semiconductors. Our diverse team of technologists have developed a high performance RISC-V CPU from scratch, and share a passion for AI and a deep desire to build the best AI platform possible. We value collaboration, curiosity, and a commitment to solving hard problems. We are growing our team and looking for contributors of all seniorities.

Overview: Our team developed a high performance RISC-V CPU from scratch, and share a passion for AI and a deep desire to build the best compute platform possible.

What you might work on: This posting spans multiple roles within the RISC-V team. One application, one recruiter screen -  then we match you to the specific team and location that fits best. What each sub-team does:

RTL Design: Implement and debug CPU-block RTL and contribute to microarchitecture and RTL infrastructure. Final years of bachelors or later

Implementation Engineer: Translate CPU microarchitecture into a synthesizable, performant design. Work with the RTL team to drive performance, power and area improvements.

Design Verification: Verify high-performance, out-of-order RISC-V CPUs across ISA and microarchitecture features.

Formal Verification: Develop assertions and formal-analysis flows to identify corner-case hardware issues. Austin-only role.

Core Performance Verification: Validate CPU performance through workload bring-up, simulation, emulation, and bottleneck analysis.

Design Verification Software & Infrastructure: Build scalable software, automation, CI/CD, and test infrastructure for CPU verification.

Platform Software: Develop low-level software, firmware, testing, and automation for high-performance RISC-V CPUs.

This role is onsite, based out of Austin, TX or Boston, MA or Fort Collins, CO or Santa Clara, CA.

Who You Are

Currently pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD in EE, ECE, CS, CE or related field

Strong academic performance with hands-on related coursework, project or work experience.

Interest in RISC-V, CPU architecture, AI/ML hardware, verification, performance, or low-level software.

Strong debugging, analytical, communication, and collaboration skills.

Ability to learn new tools and work in an on-site engineering environment

Interest or exposure with AI tools to accelerate development and workflows.

What We Need

Strong foundational exposure to one or more of the following key areas:

HDLs (such as SystemVerilog), computer architecture, or RTL design and debugging concepts.

Programming or scripting skills in Assembly, C/C++, Python, or Perl.

Design verification, formal analysis, simulation, testbenches, or coverage analysis.

CPU microarchitecture, out-of-order pipelines, memory systems, or performance modeling.

Familiarity with Linux, Git, CI/CD pipelines, firmware, or low-level system software.

What You Will Learn

Hands-on experience with modern, out-of-order RISC-V CPU microarchitecture design and implementation.

Advanced design verification methodologies, including formal analysis, simulation, and testbench development.

Low-level platform software, firmware, and system-level initialization for high-performance processors.

Performance analysis, bottleneck identification, and optimization techniques on custom silicon environments.

USA Hiring Timelines

This internship opportunity is available throughout our 3 terms with the following corresponding recruitment cycles:

Winter Term: Jan–Apr work term, Sept–Dec recruit.

Summer Term: May–Aug work term, Oct–Apr recruit.

Fall Term: Sept–Dec work term, Jan–Aug recruit.

Please note these timelines are for reference only. Actual timelines may vary.

Compensation for all interns at Tenstorrent ranges from $50/hr - $70/hr including base and variable compensation targets. Experience, skills, education, background and location all impact the actual offer made.

Tenstorrent offers a highly competitive compensation package and benefits, and we are an equal opportunity employer.

This offer of employment is contingent upon the applicant being eligible to access U.S. export-controlled technology. Due to U.S. export laws, including those codified in the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the Company is required to ensure compliance with these laws when transferring technology to nationals of certain countries (such as EAR Country Groups D:1, E1, and E2). These requirements apply to persons located in the U.S. and all countries outside the U.S. As the position offered will have direct and/or indirect access to information, systems, or technologies subject to these laws, the offer may be contingent upon your citizenship/permanent residency status or ability to obtain prior license approval from the U.S. Commerce Department or applicable federal agency. If employment is not possible due to U.S. export laws, any offer of employment will be rescinded.